Two screws + two wires = ADS-B compliance via tailBeacon

For those waiting for “more affordable” ADS-B Out solutions, uAvionix’s new Zero Install tailBeacon EXP may be just the answer.

Second in a family of “Zero Install” ADS-B Out solutions, the tailBeacon is available at an introductory price of $1,649 for experimental and light-sport aircraft (LSA), and company officials expect to achieve TSO certification by the end of September 2018.

“The tailBeacon is nearly a carbon copy of skyBeacon. As this is largely a repackaging effort we expect certification to be achieved very quickly,” states Ryan Braun, COO. “While working on the certification for skyBeacon, we’ve been preparing the TSO package for tailBeacon as well.”

The skyBeacon mobile application can be used to configure the tailBeacon.

Similar to skyBeacon, tailBeacon allows installation in minutes by simply removing the current tail position light and replacing it with the tailBeacon. The existing wiring and circuit breaker provide power and interface to the existing Mode C or S transponder through uAvionix’s patent pending power transcoder, company officials explain.

No airframe modifications, additional wires or antennas are required. As an added bonus, the upgraded LED position lights deliver increased safety and night visibility at no additional cost, company officials add.

Broadcasting on the UAT/978MHz frequency, tailBeacon offers rule compliant operation up to FL180 within the U.S.

“With the introduction of skyBeacon, we received feedback from many pilots who simply couldn’t fit it on their wing,” said CEO Paul Beard. “The tailBeacon is meant to address those aircraft that skyBeacon can’t reach, such as newer aircraft with enclosed wingtip position lights.”

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Mr, Pedersen, the company is working on FAA certification for certified aircraft for both the wing mounted and tail mounted versions as we speak. The company is optimistic that certification is very close.

I am a little disappointed, I emailed there tech support to find out if this unit could be installed in the fiberglass tail cone of my Skyline their response was go to their website you can find information there I could find no information about that type of installation.

Actually Jim, when all this adsb stuff was being introduced, the price of admission was $10,000.00—-so we’ve come a long way. While the $1,700.00 for this unit is still not cheap for the every day guy as you and I, at least there will be a next to nothing installation cost. That being said, I’m still waiting until late 2019 before buying as I am also hoping for cheaper prices. I’m sure something will come out of China for under $400.00 as you say—-assuming that Trump doesn’t put a huge tariff on it.

Do you know how stupid that just sounded? Why do people always have to drag politics into it?
I, on the other hand, hope china doesn’t get the opportunity to undercut this product or any other great product. For the sake of saving a few dollars, I’d rather keep building products in the US and keep our economy strong and sufficient with jobs for me and you so we can actually afford to buy the aircraft that you want to stick the cheap-ass China product on.

Well Nate, that’s about the stupidest thing I’ve heard all day. Why bring politics into this? Just because you don’t like a guy or let the media do your thinking, you display bad reasoning. What you are saying to uAvionix is thanks for your inovation and expense of producing a huge cost saving piece of required equipment, but I’m gonna wait to China undercuts you so I can save a few dollars. Never mind that if they do, it’ll be uAvionix last innovation because China now profits off their efforts and expense to save you a few hundred dollars. This scenario has been played out over and over again at the expense of our jobs and technology . Jobs that you probably have that has paid for your Grumman or your training expenses. Things are way out of balance and it will take some pain to fix. Take the win. UAvionix is saving us a bundle and we support the home team so when the next item comes up, they’ll be there to provide it too.

Chill out Mark A & Mark. The China comment was meant to be a satirical joke. If you take life and politics that seriously you’ll give yourself a heart attack and create enemies. Your comments are a classic example of how today’s politics has negatively impacted the relationships of family and friends in our society. Everybody is sitting on a tack and so angry to the point where they can’t even recognize a joke. As a result, friends and families are at war with each other. What a shame. If anything, I applauded UAvionix and was the first to say so in this forum. The bottom line is I believe the product is innovative, ingenious and reasonably priced.

As far as your “stupidity” insinuation, I will leave that without comment since I follow the advice of a very wise person who once told me, “The best way to handle ignorance is to ignore it”.

At any rate, I must congratulate you on buying only American. While I agree and applaud you for your patriotism, your comments suggest that you have NEVER bought anything that is not made in America such as televisions, sound equipment, instruments, automobiles, radios, computers, phones and other communication equipment, tools, building materials, petroleum and other energy products, clothing, shoes, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, produce, sporting goods—the list is endless. Seriously? You may want to revisit your own inventory of goods that you have purchased for a reality check to confirm that they were all made in America before preaching to anyone else. Talk about missing the mark and having to save face!!!

You’re a funny turd, thanks for proving my point! No, I don’t buy products from China associated with life safety! But nice try. You may be right on one point, the Chinese will probably supply a lot of the components on the cheaper units. You’re wrapped a little tight to fly left seat. Long winded on the radio! Cut to the chase.

I’m sorry, but $1700.00 + for a light bulb and a piece of electronics no bigger than a Raspberry Pi ($45.00) is still way out there. I agree that it is much better than the projected $5000.00 that was floating around at the beginning, but there is still a ways to go to achieve the “affordability” goal. I’ll bet there is a crafty electronics person is already working on a Rpi version right now, for under $400.

YES! Just what I’ve been waiting for as the sky beacon’s antenna would not be able to be mounted with my faired in nav light lenses. I’ll be ready to buy the tail beacon once certified for my Grumman AA1A.